Landscaping Tip of the Month: Get Ready for Spring
February is a transition month in the Coachella Valley. While days begin to warm, nights can still be cool, and plants are just starting to wake up from winter dormancy. This makes February the perfect time to prepare your landscape for spring growth without overwatering or over-pruning. Focus on light maintenance rather than heavy planting. Remove winter debris, check irrigation systems for leaks or clogged emitters, and make small adjustments to watering schedules as temperatures gradually rise. Many landscapes still need less water in February than in spring or summer, [...]
Plant of the Month: Desert Spoon (Dasylirion wheeleri)
At first glance, Desert Spoon looks almost sculpted—a perfectly rounded burst of narrow, blue-green leaves radiating from a central base. But this striking form isn’t decorative by accident. Native to the arid landscapes of the American Southwest, Desert Spoon is a master class in desert survival and an excellent example of how plants have adapted to thrive with minimal water. […]
Join MSWD for a Public Facility Tour
Mission Springs Water District (MSWD) is delighted to announce the dates for the spring public tours of its water and wastewater facilities, providing the community with a behind-the-scenes look at the critical processes that ensure safe, clean water for all. The tours will take place on March 10th and 11th, 2026, registration opens on February 19th, space is limited. Participants will have the opportunity to tour multiple MSWD facilities and learn about the journey of water from source to tap and see firsthand how [...]
Transform Your Future — National Engineers Week 2026
Every year, we celebrate the incredible impact engineers have on the world around us. This year, National Engineers Week is observed February 22–28 with the theme “Transform Your Future”, a powerful reminder that engineering doesn’t just shape our infrastructure and technology, it shapes our opportunities, our communities, and the future. In 1951, the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) established National Engineers Week to celebrate achievements in engineering and encourage people to pursue careers in the field. Engineers play a vital role in shaping our world by creating and maintaining [...]
Where Our Valley’s Water Comes From
Living in the desert means water doesn’t just show up—it’s carefully managed, thoughtfully sourced, and efficiently delivered. In the Coachella Valley, our water supply comes from four primary sources: Groundwater Recycled water Imported water from the State Water Project Colorado River water delivered via the Coachella Canal, a branch of the All-American Canal Together, these sources help ensure reliable water for homes, businesses, agriculture, and community spaces across the valley. Local Sources of Water Groundwater: Our Primary Drinking Water Source. Nearly all of the Coachella Valley’s drinking water comes from [...]
Landscaping Tip of the Month: Refresh Mulch to Protect Plants and Save Water
January is an ideal time here in the Coachella Valley to take a closer look at mulch in your landscape. While often associated with summer water savings, mulch plays an equally important role during our cooler months—especially in our desert climate. A healthy layer of mulch helps retain soil moisture, reduce evaporation, and moderate soil temperatures. During winter, this insulation protects plant roots from cool nighttime temperatures while still allowing the soil to absorb warmth during the day. Mulch also suppresses weeds, which compete with plants for water and nutrients [...]
